(Patriot.Buzz) – Discussing pressing details about the upcoming presidential election, the House grilled Postmaster General Louis DeJoy over the U.S. Postal Service’s readiness to handle mail-in ballots.
Although DeJoy claims the USPS is prepared, lawmakers and election officials raised concerns about potential delays and mishandling that could compromise voter trust and election integrity.
In a confrontational hearing before the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, DeJoy was put on the hot seat.
He was asked about recent changes within the USPS that could impact the timely processing and delivery of election mail.
This comes in response to the National Association of State Election Directors’ concerns about the postal service’s ability to manage the expected increase in mail-in ballots.
In an attempt to reassure lawmakers, DeJoy cited the USPS’s track record during the 2020 pandemic.
He claimed that nearly 98% of ballots at the time were returned within three days and 99.9% within seven days. However, his statements were met with skepticism from both sides of the aisle.
“Many of our constituents have expressed concerns about the Postal Service’s ability to deliver election ballots securely and on time,” said Rep. David Joyce. “It is imperative that the Postal Service get this right.”
DeJoy stated, “We need to be more proactive and not just wait for issues to come to us to have dialogue with these people, but to be proactive and express in building confidence.”
Despite DeJoy’s assurances, lawmakers criticized a 10-year plan to develop mail processing centers because they feared it could slow mail delivery, especially in rural areas.
DeJoy claimed that these larger plans would not affect mail ballot handling as they are on hold for October and the first half of November.
In a moment of frustration, DeJoy made a questionable comparison, stating, “You know, the first rockets that went to the moon blew up.”
This comment drew sharp criticism from lawmakers, with one representative saying, “Thanks for blowing up Wisconsin.”
Adding to concerns, DeJoy described USPS facilities as “ratty” and criticized their condition during the hearing.
“I walk in our plants and facilities, I see horror. My employees see just another day at work,” he admitted, raising questions about the overall state of the postal service infrastructure.
While DeJoy claims that the USPS can handle the surge in mail-in ballots, many Americans remain concerned about the potential for voter fraud and manipulation through mass mail-in voting.
The integrity of the elections is at stake, and the USPS’s ability to securely and efficiently handle ballots is key to maintaining trust in the democratic process.
As millions of mail-in ballots are being sent out for upcoming elections that could decide key political races, voters are urged to return their ballots well before Election Day or use secure drop boxes where available.
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